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Kadri suspension upheld by Bettman; Final appeal next

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the eight-game suspension to Nazem Kadri today. He explained his rationale in a lengthy document, which you can read in full here.

Here is one snippet:

“Mr. Parros did not apply a strict formula to determine the quantum of discipline here and I find that a strict formula is neither necessary nor appropriate, particularly since Mr. Kadri has been assessed six (6) supplementary discipline suspensions for head-related offenses (including this supplementary discipline suspension), three (3) of which were assessed during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Weighing the factors described above, I find that an eight (8) game suspension is appropriate for the following reasons. First, it is consistent with the principle of progressive discipline. The two (2) most recent supplementary discipline suspensions assessed against Mr. Kadri, both of which occurred in the playoffs, resulted in suspensions of three (3) and five (5) playoff games, respectively. An increase to eight (8) games represents an appropriate escalation for the latest repeat offense. That is particularly true because this incident (unlike the other two) resulted in an injury.5″

Kadri has already formally appealed Bettman’s decision to a neutral arbitrator, Shyam Das, who has a history of reducing previous suspension, including a Tom Wilson 20-game suspension to 14 games. He also reduced a suspension to baseball’s Ryan Braun in 2012.

The second appeal has not been scheduled yet. It’s believed it won’t happen for another few days.

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